You can switch to induction without replacing all your cookware, as long as the pans you use have a magnetic, flat base that the new hob’s cooking zones can detect. If keeping non-magnetic cookware without sorting through it is your priority, consider a ceramic hob. A mixed induction and gas hob is better suited to regular use of both cooking methods, provided your home can accommodate the necessary connections.
Before replacing your hob, check the frying pans, saucepans and stockpots you use regularly. A magnet can help you check whether their bases are magnetic. Their diameter and the condition of the base also matter when using them on your new hob.
Your choice depends on your cookware, how many dishes you prepare at once and the size of the cooking zones. If you’re installing a built-in hob, have your home’s connection checked before installation too.
A mixed hob may suit you if you regularly use both gas burners and induction zones. Check that the layout of the burners and zones works for the way you cook, and that both connections are available.
Consider it if: your main pans have magnetic bases and are a suitable size for the hob’s cooking zones.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to replace any incompatible pieces if you want to keep using them on this hob.
Consider it if: you want to keep using non-magnetic cookware without switching to induction.
Bear in mind: according to Bosch Home Appliances France, the surface stays hot after cooking has stopped.
Consider it if: you regularly use gas but would also like induction zones.
Bear in mind: the layout of the burners and zones needs to suit you, and you’ll need to check both the gas and electricity connections.
Once you’ve chosen a cooking method, compare your cookware and habits with the zones on offer, then check the installation requirements.
| Criteria | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cookware | For induction, test the base of each pan with a magnet. Also compare its diameter with the size detected by the cooking zone, and avoid warped bases that prevent good contact, as Darty and Le Creuset France explain. | I want to keep the saucepans and frying pans I use often, and replace only the pieces that aren’t suitable for my new hob. |
| Cooking zones | Count how many pans you use at once and compare their sizes with the cooking zones. If you use a large pan or a flexible zone, check the dimensions and the model’s stated coverage requirements. | My stockpots and larger pans need to fit on the hob without reducing the number of cooking zones I need while preparing a meal. |
| Installation and connections | Check the cut-out dimensions and have the electrical connection inspected before installation. Promotelec specifies a dedicated circuit for an electric hob in installations covered by NF C 15-100; a mixed hob also requires a check of the gas connection. | Before choosing a built-in hob, I want to know whether it can be installed in my home and, for a mixed model, whether both energy connections are available. |
| Gas use | For a mixed hob, count the gas burners and induction zones separately. The Teka JZC 63312 AB and AEG HDB64623NB models show different layouts, so check the configuration of the model you’re considering. | If I keep gas, I need enough burners and zones of each type for the dishes I prepare at the same time. |
One compatible pan doesn’t guarantee that the frying pans and stockpots you rely on will work too. Darty notes that both a magnetic base and a diameter the hob can detect are important.
Test the pieces you use every week, then compare their diameters with the zones on the hob you’re considering.
You’ll need to replace any essential pieces that aren’t suitable for the new hob if you want to keep using them for these types of cooking.
Gas burners don’t remove the need for an electricity supply for the induction zones. Teka and AEG’s product details for their mixed hobs clearly describe both cooking methods.
Choose this option if you use gas regularly, and confirm the available connections and built-in dimensions before buying.
A flexible zone’s performance depends on the size of your pan. Whirlpool explains that on its WBB3760BF, the function switches off if the large zone isn’t covered sufficiently.
Measure the casseroles, griddles and other large pans you use, then check the requirements for the zone on the model you’re considering.
Their surfaces may look similar, but they don’t work with the same cookware. Bosch Home Appliances France says ceramic hobs work with all types of cookware and notes that the surface stays hot after cooking has stopped.
First decide whether keeping your non-magnetic pans without sorting through them matters more to you than switching to induction.
Bosch Home Appliances France offers several types of hob, including induction and ceramic models.
The WBB3760BF is an example of a three-zone induction hob with a flexible cooking zone.
According to Teka France, the JZC 63312 AB is a 60 cm mixed hob with one gas burner and two induction zones.
The HDB64623NB combines gas burners with induction zones, according to AEG France’s product details.
This built-in hob is an option if you’re looking for a three-zone induction model. Before choosing it, check your cookware, the installation dimensions and your home’s connection.
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An option for cooking on three zones with induction-compatible pans. The product title lists a power rating of 7 200 W; check the built-in dimensions and connection before replacing your hob.
Hold a magnet against the base of each pan: if it sticks, that’s an initial sign that the pan may be compatible. Darty also recommends checking the minimum diameter the cooking zone can detect. A warped base can affect performance, as Le Creuset France notes.
No, not necessarily. Check each piece you use regularly: keep those with a magnetic, flat base that’s suitable for your chosen zones, and consider replacing any that don’t meet these requirements.
Before installation, have the cut-out and your home’s electrical connection checked for suitability. Promotelec specifies a dedicated circuit for an electric hob and refers to a 32 A socket. Its guidance on NF C 15-100 applies in particular to new installations and complete renovations, alterations or extensions.
A mixed hob suits you if you regularly use gas and want to keep doing so while adding induction zones. Compare the number of burners and zones of each type with the dishes you prepare, and check that your home can accommodate both connections. The Teka JZC 63312 AB and AEG HDB64623NB configurations show how the layout can vary by model.
Compare the number and size of the cooking zones with the way you usually cook, and check the requirements for any flexible zone if you use large pans. To compare induction hobs, Que Choisir’s testing protocol looks at factors such as gentle cooking, evenness and ease of use. Look for tests of the specific models you’re interested in.